Last Saturday March 16, 2019  I  participated 3rd BMO St. Patrick’s Day 5km as part of The Great Little Box Companies Corporate team.  This is the perfect event if you like like running/ walking , having fun…..Oh, and Beer!  Read on for my race recap.

High profile sponsors like BMO, Running Room, Saucony, and Granville Island Brewing helped to make this race a top-notch event.  A team from the Stanley Park Ecological Society  held a bag check by donation, which I understand was well managed with reasonable lines.

Race communication and directions were clear and concise.  With limited parking and road closures  participants were encouraged to  take public transportation, or park outside the park. 

The run started and finished at the Stanley Park Pavilion  with a scenic loop of Stanley Park in-between. At $28 for early registration and $38-40 for late registration its affordable in race world.  Registration includes a post-race  Granville Island Brewing souvenir beer glass, and entrance into the #GIB after party.

The Course:

The course is a 5K using the roads of Stanley Park, not the seawall. I don’t think it changed from last year. From what I remembered, it was an undulating course and it was definitely not a boring run. You had to keep pushing over those hills but once you got over, the downhills felt so good. The race started downhill on Pipeline Road and you made a left onto Stanley Park Drive, followed it into a loop back onto Pipeline Road. Save yourself for the last couple hundred meters which includes a hill to the Finish Line. It’s 112 m of elevation gain in a 5k… to give you an idea of the hills.

Likes:

• Lively and fun ambiance – costumes, tutus, and Irish flare.   Go for the race but be prepared to stay for the after party.  Good food, Beer, DJ and lots of FUN. The bar was open so if you attend next year be sure to bring your loot.
• The Souvenir Beer glass –  Lets face it a bit more useful than a finishing medal.
• It’s cheap – $40 (max)…..But be warned if you are staying for the after party it could add up. A beer is $7 and or 3 for $20.   I was fortunate enough to participate with my co-workers, and The Great Little Box Company generously covered our registration fees.
• Irish Stew– Post race fare was delicious and perfectly matched with my refreshing ice cold #GIB beer.

Dislikes:

• The finish-line uphill-  Boooooo!  Kidding aside, I don’t have any complaints.  A fun race, and a great course, with plenty of volunteers to help make it run smooth.
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How Did i Do?

After the race I checked my stats, and despite dropping from 14th to 17th in my division.  I beat my 2018 time of 25:15 and my pre-baby time in 2016 of 28:17……so I am really just getting better with age.  😉

Would I do this again? Absolutely!    If you are considering  participating next year my advise…..train for the hills. Plus if you train for the hills you will be faster, which will help  you get to the after party sooner.  See you next year!